Molly Waters

Read Molly's story, UWE Bristol's alum and Paediatric Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Building a career that is improving the lives of others, in Bristol

After moving from South Wales to study Learning Disability Nursing at UWE Bristol, I chose to stay in the city after graduating to live and build my career here.

As Bristol Children’s Hospital’s first Learning Disability Nurse, I’m supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism, making sure they can access healthcare in a way that meets their individual needs.

Molly Waters, UWE Bristol alum and Paediatric Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Nurse Specialist

Practical learning within the community

The Learning Disability Nursing programme at UWE Bristol stood out because the course offered a variety of placements and focused on reducing health inequalities and advocating for people who are often underserved.

During my placements I spent time working with learning disability teams within the community, in residential and nursing homes, at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), and across Bristol, Bath, Swindon and Gloucester.

The placements were definitely my favourite part of the course. I experienced such a wide variety of settings, which really helped shape the nurse I am today and gave me confidence in different areas of practice. I also really valued the balance between university learning and placements, as it meant we were constantly putting theory into practice and building confidence throughout the course.

"Looking back, I genuinely feel that my experiences at UWE Bristol helped shape my career and gave me the confidence to pursue the job I have now."

Molly Waters, UWE Bristol alum and Paediatric Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Nurse Specialist

Molly Waters UWE Bristol alum and Paediatric Learning Disability and Autism Clinical Nurse Specialist

Improving care for future patients

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing children and young people who may previously have struggled to engage with healthcare be able to access services in a way that works for them. Whether that's through reasonable adjustments, improved communication or personalised care, it's incredibly rewarding to know you've helped make what could have been a frightening experience much more positive.

I also enjoy supporting hospital teams to become more confident in caring for patients with learning disabilities and autism, helping to improve care for future patients too.

Working and living in Bristol

I was very lucky that my final placement was with a Learning Disability and Autism team in an acute hospital at the BRI, and I absolutely loved it. From that placement, I knew it was the type of nursing I wanted to do, so when I was offered a job after qualifying, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

Being able to transition from student to registered nurse in a team I already knew really helped build my confidence, and I've continued to develop my career in Bristol ever since.